Planned Parenthood wins first round of lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO – On September 30, 2016, a federal judge ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood as he refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the creators of a reckless and malicious video smear campaign against the health care organization. He also denied defendants’ motions to strike the case under California’s statute prohibiting “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (SLAPP suits) in their entirety. In a 56-page ruling issued that day, Judge William H. Orrick said, “Plaintiffs have adequately alleged that defendants repeatedly (and continuously) used their fake IDs (produced or procured in violation of federal law) as key steps in defendants’ ongoing RICO enterprise.” He let all fifteen causes of action against the Center for Medical Progress, its fake subsidiary BioMax Procurement Services and six individuals move forward.

"We are delighted that the court rejected Defendants' numerous attacks on the complaint and we look forward to proving those claims and holding defendants' liable for their misconduct," said Amy Bomse, Partner with Arnold & Porter.

The lawsuit, filed in January by nine Planned Parenthood affiliates and the national office, exposed the complex criminal conspiracy undertaken by the anti-abortion front group, the Center for Medical Progress, to falsely accuse Planned Parenthood of improper activity. The case will now move forward in federal court. Planned Parenthood is being represented by attorneys Amy Bomse, Sharon Mayo and Jee Young from Arnold & Porter.

“We are pleased that Judge Orrick let all of our case stand,” said Beth Parker, Chief Legal Counsel for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “It’s a complete victory at the pleading stage.”